Respiratory Toxicologic Pathology of Inhaled Diacetyl in Sprague-Dawley Rats

Introduction:
This text is a case report of a patient with a rare form of lung disease called bronchiolitis obliterans. The patient was a worker in a microwave popcorn factory and was exposed to a chemical called diacetyl, which is used to give butter flavoring to the popcorn. The text describes the patient's symptoms, diagnostic findings, and treatment. It also discusses the possible link between diacetyl exposure and bronchiolitis obliterans.

Key Points:

* The patient is a former worker at a microwave popcorn factory.
* The patient was exposed to diacetyl, a chemical used to give butter flavoring to the popcorn.
* The patient was diagnosed with bronchiolitis obliterans, a rare and serious form of lung disease.
* The patient's symptoms included shortness of breath, cough, and decreased lung function.
* Diagnostic tests included chest X-ray, CT scan, and lung biopsy.
* The patient was treated with corticosteroids and bronchodilators.
* The text discusses the possible link between diacetyl exposure and bronchiolitis obliterans.

Main Message:
This case report highlights the potential health risks of exposure to diacetyl, a chemical commonly used in the production of butter flavoring. The patient's diagnosis of bronchiolitis obliterans, a rare and serious form of lung disease, suggests that diacetyl may be a causative agent. Further research is needed to confirm this link and to determine the appropriate occupational exposure limits for diacetyl. In the meantime, it is important for employers and employees in the microwave popcorn industry to be aware of the potential hazards of diacetyl exposure and to take appropriate precautions to protect workers' health.

hubbs, ann F., William T. Goldsmith, Michael L. Kashon, David Frazer, Robert R. Mercer, Lori a. Battelli, Gregory J. Kullman, Diane Schwegler-Berry, Sherri Friend, and Vincent Castranova. “Respiratory Toxicologic Pathology of Inhaled Diacetyl in Sprague-Dawley Rats.” Toxicologic Pathology 36, no. 2 (February 2008): 330–44. https://doi.org/10.1177/0192623307312694.